Posted to News on 23rd Sep 2013, 19:19
Real-time monitoring improves utilisation of CNC machines
Advantech has helped a customer to improve the utilisation of its CNC machines by supplying simple modules that collect data from the machines and upload it to a higher-level control system via Ethernet.
CNC (computer numerical control) machines are widely used to produce accurate and complex parts. However, despite the increasingly common use of such automated control equipment, manufacturers continue to find themselves managing issues relating to abnormal situations. In order to properly control a large number of CNC machines in the factory, managers need to understand the abnormal situations if they are to immediately restore the normal functioning of a manufacturing process, as well as increasing the equipment utilisation.
In general, most users know how to use a PLC to acquire data from CNC machines, but this can result in poor immediacy and high implementation cost. Advantech had a customer that was seeking a more cost-effective and flexible solution to this problem. Since the customer was concerned about machine availability and cost control, the monitoring system had to be easily integrated within the existing network without having to worry about bandwidth constraints or expansive cost requirements. Additionally, there are many electrical and mechanical facilities in the factory that can lead to potential failures due to severe electrical interference, and therefore the related products have to offer high stability to ensure the normal operation of CNC systems under such stringent environment.
System description:
Advantech recommended two ADAM-6050 and ADAM-6017 modules to quickly upload data to the main control room. The ADAM-6050, provides 12 digital input and six digital output channels, and collects all switch data from the CNC machines by states change. As for the ADAM-6017, which provides eight analogue input and two digital output channels, this detects the current changes so as to fully control the machines' workload. By using an Ethernet interface, both modules can be easily integrated into the original network architecture and transmit the on-site data to the Distributed Network Control (DNC) server via an Ethernet switch. ADAM products not only provide the active upload function to satisfy the needs of the machining process monitoring, but also avoid interference due to their industrial-grade specification. The features of the low-power, compact design and GCL programming support also ensure that the ADAM-6000 serial devices are easy and convenient to maintain.
Project implementation:
The two key products used are:
- ADAM-6050 - 18-channel isolated digital I/O Modbus TCP Module
- ADAM-6017 - eight-channel isolated analogue input Modbus TCP Module with two-channel digital outputs
System architecture:
Conclusions:
Factory managers have to maximise the productivity of CNC machines while keeping control of the costs. Advantech's real-time and stable monitoring products and systems offer industrial-grade features to ensure the normal operation, and users can quickly and flexibly implement ADAM modules to enhance their factory management so as to improve production efficiency.
Special offer
Advantech is currently offering discount off the price of ADAM-6050 modules via its eStore. Follow this link to receive your discount: buy.advantech.eu/product/TodaysDeal.aspx.
